About
Welcome from Head of School
At Lowcountry Prep, we believe the best education happens in a community where students are known, challenged, and supported.
Dear Families and Friends,
When I think about what it means to be a Marlin, I don't think first about test scores or college acceptances. I think about people. I think about children who are deeply known, teachers who pour into them every day, and families who become part of something lasting.
It is an incredible privilege to serve as Head of School of a community I know and love so deeply. My shared vision for Lowcountry Prep is to continue building a school where faith shapes character, relationships come first, and every student discovers that who they are is just as important as what they know.
Our small size is one of our greatest strengths. From our youngest Marlins through our graduating seniors, students are known, valued, challenged, and supported while being given opportunities to grow through academics, athletics, the arts, leadership, and service.
At Lowcountry Prep, Marlin Pride runs deep. It lives in the relationships we build, the character we cultivate, and the belief that every child has the potential to lead a life of purpose.
I invite you to come experience what it means to be a Marlin. We would love to welcome you to our campus!
Vannah Scarborough, Ph.D.
Head of School
“Marlin Pride runs deeper than school spirit. It’s the feeling of being known, the strength of belonging, and the pride of becoming who you’re meant to be.”
Our Setting
Tucked quietly behind the bustle of Pawleys Island’s main corridor off highway 17, the Lowcountry Prep campus is a hidden gem—encompassed by trees and shielded from the noise of nearby shops and traffic. Though just across the street from the Publix shopping complex, our 16-acre campus feels worlds away, offering students a peaceful, natural setting where focus, creativity, and connection thrive.
Our campus currently features three main buildings:
- A dedicated Lower School for Pre-K through 5th grade
- A combined Middle and Upper School building for grades 6–12
- An Athletic and Arts Center with a full-size varsity gym, art and music classrooms, and a welcoming café where students enjoy lunch each day
- Construction on a fourth building, an experiential learning center that will include a STEM lab, computer lab, art studios and music space, will be underway this year
Students also enjoy expansive playgrounds and creative space, a regulation-size soccer field, and a tranquil two-acre pond—a favorite spot for reflection, exploration, and our fishing club’s midday practice sessions.
Coming soon, our learning garden will add another layer of discovery. This green space will allow students to experience the rhythms of planting, harvesting, and caring for living things—including a future chicken coop—all within a structured, developmentally appropriate program.
At Lowcountry Prep, our physical environment reflects our educational mission: grounded, intentional, and alive with opportunity.
Our Town
Lowcountry Preparatory School is proud to call Pawleys Island home—a coastal town known for its charm, natural beauty, and strong sense of community.
Located along South Carolina’s Hammock Coast, Pawleys Island is one of the oldest seaside resorts in America. With its relaxed pace, oak-lined roads, and laid-back Lowcountry spirit, it’s a place where families put down roots and neighbors become friends.
Just minutes from the beach, our community enjoys the best of coastal living: historic landmarks, peaceful waterways, scenic bike paths, and a growing number of local restaurants, shops, and small businesses. The surrounding areas of Litchfield, Murrells Inlet, and Georgetown offer additional opportunities for outdoor exploration, cultural experiences, and community engagement.
From summer festivals to sunset creek walks, life in Pawleys Island is full of quiet wonder and shared joy. It’s a place where learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door—and where students grow up with a deep appreciation for both their environment and their neighbors.
The mission of Lowcountry Preparatory School is to empower students to achieve their full potential by growing in faith and character to lead with integrity and serve with compassion.
